DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule; harvest specifications and closures.

Harvest specifications and closures are effective at 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), February 25, 2015, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2016.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS announces final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications, apportionments, and Pacific halibut prohibited species catch limits for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the 2015 and 2016 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the GOA. The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the GOA in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

2015-02-23; vol. 80 # 35 - Monday, February 23, 2015

80 FR 9398 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod in the Western Aleutian Islands District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod, including for the Community Development Quota program (CDQ), in the Western Aleutian Islands district (Area 543) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the Area 543 Pacific cod harvest limit of the 2015 total allowable catch (TAC) in the Aleutian Islands subarea of the BSAI.

2015-02-19; vol. 80 # 33 - Thursday, February 19, 2015

80 FR 8816 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2015 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

2015-02-17; vol. 80 # 31 - Tuesday, February 17, 2015

80 FR 8249 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2015 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to vessels using pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

2015-02-13; vol. 80 # 30 - Friday, February 13, 2015

80 FR 7979 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Big Skate in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting retention of big skate in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the 2015 total allowable catch of big skate in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA will be reached.

2015-02-06; vol. 80 # 25 - Friday, February 6, 2015

80 FR 6663 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific cod by Pot Catcher/Processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors using pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season apportionment of the 2015 Pacific cod total allowable catch allocated to catcher/processors using pot gear in the BSAI.

2015-02-04; vol. 80 # 23 - Wednesday, February 4, 2015

80 FR 5992 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line or Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2015 Pacific cod total allowable catch allocated to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI.

80 FR 5992 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the Central Aleutian district (CAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Island management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2015 Atka mackerel total allowable catch (TAC) in the CAI allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery.

2015-02-03; vol. 80 # 22 - Tuesday, February 3, 2015

80 FR 5692 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Atka mackerel in critical habitat of the Central Aleutian district (CAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Island management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2015 Atka mackerel total allowable catch (TAC) in critical habitat of the CAI allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery.

2015-01-30; vol. 80 # 20 - Friday, January 30, 2015

80 FR 5050 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the Eastern Aleutian district and the Bering Sea subarea (BSEAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Island management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2015 Atka mackerel total allowable catch (TAC) in the BSEAI allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery.

2015-01-26; vol. 80 # 16 - Monday, January 26, 2015

80 FR 3916 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule.

Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 26, 2015, until the effective date of the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) groundfish, unless otherwise modified or superseded through publication of a notification in the Federal Register .

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amounts of the Community Development Quota pollock directed fishing allowances from the Aleutian Islands subarea to the Bering Sea subarea. This action is necessary to provide opportunity for harvest of the 2015 total allowable catch of pollock, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area.

2015-01-23; vol. 80 # 15 - Friday, January 23, 2015

80 FR 3496 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; reallocation.

Effective January 20, 2015, through 2400 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), December 31, 2015.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod from vessels using jig gear to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters) length overall using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. This action is necessary to allow the A season apportionment of the 2015 total allowable catch of Pacific cod to be harvested.

2015-01-16; vol. 80 # 11 - Friday, January 16, 2015

80 FR 2326 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Trawl Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2015 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to catcher/processors using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Notice of Agency decision.

The amendment was approved on January 5, 2015.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the approval of Amendment 104 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP). Amendment 104 to the FMP designates six areas of skate egg concentration as Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC). The HAPC designations for the six areas of skate egg concentration in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) are intended to highlight the importance of this essential fish habitat for conservation. This action promotes the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMP, and other applicable laws.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; inseason adjustment; request for comments.

Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 1, 2015, until the effective date of the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for BSAI groundfish, unless otherwise modified or superseded through publication of a notification in the Federal Register . Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., January 16, 2015.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is adjusting the 2015 total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod fisheries. This action is necessary because NMFS has determined these TACs are incorrectly specified, and will ensure the BSAI pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod TACs are the appropriate amounts based on the best available scientific information. This action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; inseason adjustment; request for comments.

Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 1, 2015, until the effective date of the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for GOA groundfish, which will be published in the Federal Register . Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., January 16, 2015.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is adjusting the 2015 total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) pollock and Pacific cod fisheries. This action is necessary because NMFS has determined these TACs are incorrectly specified, and will ensure the GOA pollock and Pacific cod TACs are the appropriate amounts based on the best available scientific information for pollock and Pacific cod in the GOA. This action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule.

Effective February 4, 2015.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 107 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP), as prepared and submitted by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council), and approved by the Secretary of Commerce. This final rule allows vessels designated on Federal Fisheries Permits (FFPs) to transit through Walrus Protection Areas in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near Round Island and Cape Peirce from April 1 through August 15, annually. These actions are necessary to restore the access of federally permitted vessels to transit through Walrus Protection Areas that was unintentionally limited by regulations implementing Amendment 83 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA FMP) and to maintain suitable protection for walruses on Round Island and Cape Peirce. This final rule maintains an existing prohibition on deploying fishing gear in Walrus Protection Areas by vessels designated on an FFP. This final rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the BSAI FMP, and other applicable law.

2014-12-23; vol. 79 # 246 - Tuesday, December 23, 2014

79 FR 76917 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 50 feet (15.2 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to catcher vessels less than 50 feet (15.2 m) LOA using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule.

Effective: January 1, 2015.

15 CFR Part 902

Summary

NMFS issues a final rule to implement the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Trawl Economic Data Report Program to evaluate the economic effects of current and potential future fishery management measures for the GOA trawl fisheries. This data collection program will provide the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and NMFS with baseline economic information on harvesters, crew, processors, and communities active in the GOA trawl fisheries, which will be used to assess the impacts of anticipated future GOA trawl groundfish management measures on stakeholders. The data collected for this program will be submitted by owners and leaseholders of GOA trawl vessels, owners and leaseholders of processors receiving deliveries from those trawl vessels, and owners and leaseholders of trawl catcher/processors. The types of data collected will include, but not be limited to, labor data, revenues, capital and operational expenses, and other operational or financial data. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska, and other applicable laws.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule.

Effective: January 1, 2015.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 103 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP). This rule closes year-round the Pribilof Islands Habitat Conservation Zone (PIHCZ) to directed fishing for Pacific cod with pot gear to minimize bycatch and prevent overfishing of Pribilof Islands blue king crab (PIBKC). This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the BSAI FMP, and other applicable laws.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule.

Effective January 1, 2015.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS adopts a final rule to implement Amendment 97 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP). Amendment 97 limits Chinook salmon prohibited species catch (PSC) in Western and Central Gulf of Alaska (GOA) non-pollock trawl catcher/processor (C/P) and catcher vessel (CV) fisheries. This action establishes separate annual Chinook salmon PSC limits for three sectors fishing for groundfish species other than pollock: trawl C/Ps, trawl CVs participating in the Central GOA Rockfish Program, and trawl CVs not participating in the Central GOA Rockfish Program. If a sector reaches its Chinook salmon PSC limit, NMFS will prohibit further fishing for non-pollock groundfish by vessels in that sector. This action also establishes and clarifies Chinook salmon retention and discard requirements for vessels and processors participating in both the GOA pollock and non-pollock groundfish trawl fisheries. This action is necessary to minimize the catch of Chinook salmon to the extent practicable in the GOA non-pollock trawl fisheries. Amendment 97 is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the FMP, and other applicable laws.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule.

Effective December 26, 2014.

15 CFR Part 902

Summary

NMFS issues regulations to implement Steller sea lion protection measures to insure that groundfish fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) off Alaska are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the western distinct population segment (WDPS) of Steller sea lions or destroy or adversely modify their designated critical habitat. These management measures disperse fishing effort temporally and spatially to provide protection from potential competition for important Steller sea lion prey species. This action is intended to protect the endangered Steller sea lions, as required by the Endangered Species Act, and to minimize, to the extent practicable, the economic impact of fishery management measures, as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

2014-11-20; vol. 79 # 224 - Thursday, November 20, 2014

79 FR 69063 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Dusky Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for dusky rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 total allowable catch of dusky rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

79 FR 69063 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 total allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

79 FR 69064 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Northern Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for northern rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 total allowable catch of northern rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

NMFS is adjusting the 2014 seasonal apportionments of the total allowable catch (TAC) in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) by re-apportioning unharvested pollock TAC from Statistical Areas 610 to Statistical Areas 620 and 630 of the GOA. This action is necessary to provide opportunity for harvest of the 2014 pollock TAC, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule.

Effective December 18, 2014.

15 CFR Part 902

Summary

NMFS issues regulations to revise the at-sea scales program for catcher/processor vessels (C/Ps) and motherships that are required to weigh catch at sea. This action makes three major changes to current regulations. First, this action requires enhancements of daily scale testing for flow scales used to weigh catch at sea and requires electronic reporting of the daily flow scale test results. Second, this action requires that vessels required to use flow scales to weigh catch have electronics capable of logging and printing the frequency and magnitude of scale calibrations, as well as the time and date of each scale fault (or error) and scale startup. Third, this action requires that vessels use video to monitor the flow scale and the area around the flow scale. In addition, this action revises minor technical regulations related to equipment and operation regulations and removes certain regulations that are no longer applicable; and improves the accuracy of catch estimation by the C/Ps and motherships using at-sea scales and reduces the possibility of scale tampering. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and other applicable laws.

79 FR 68635 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Thornyhead Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting retention of thornyhead rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the 2014 total allowable catch of thornyhead rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA will be reached.

2014-11-17; vol. 79 # 221 - Monday, November 17, 2014

79 FR 68374 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Bering Sea Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 Pacific ocean perch total allowable catch (TAC) in the Bering Sea subarea of the BSAI.

79 FR 68374 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Several Groundfish Species in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; apportionment of reserves; request for comments.

Effective November 12, 2014, through 2400 hrs, Alaska local time, December 31, 2014. Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., Alaska local time, November 28, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS apportions amounts of the non-specified reserve to the initial total allowable catch (ITAC) of Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) northern rockfish and BSAI skates, and the total allowable catch (TAC) of Bering Sea (BS) “other rockfish” and BSAI octopuses in the BSAI management area. This action is necessary to allow the fisheries to continue operating. It is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan for the BSAI management area.

2014-11-13; vol. 79 # 219 - Thursday, November 13, 2014

79 FR 67376 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) apportioned to vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Eastern Aleutian district (EAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in the EAI allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule.

Effective December 8, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS publishes regulations to implement Amendment 96 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) and an amendment to the Pacific halibut commercial fishery regulations for waters in and off Alaska. Amendment 96 to the FMP and the regulatory amendment modify the Individual Fishing Quota Program for the Fixed-Gear Commercial Fisheries for Pacific Halibut and Sablefish in Waters in and off Alaska (IFQ Program). This action will remove a regulation that prohibits a Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Community Quota Entity (CQE) from transferring and holding small blocks of halibut and sablefish quota share (QS). This action will allow CQEs to acquire additional QS and facilitate CQE community resident participation in the IFQ Program. This action promotes the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982, the FMP, and other applicable law.

2014-10-31; vol. 79 # 211 - Friday, October 31, 2014

79 FR 64682 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; reallocation.

Effective October 24, 2014, through 2400 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), December 31, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod from catcher vessels using trawl gear to catcher vessels using hook-and-line gear, vessels using pot gear, and vessels using jig gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska management area (GOA). This action is necessary to allow the 2014 total allowable catch of Pacific cod in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA to be harvested.

79 FR 64334 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; reallocation.

Effective October 24, 2014, through 2400 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), December 31, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod from vessels using jig gear to vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska management area (GOA). This action is necessary to allow the 2014 total allowable catch of Pacific cod in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA to be harvested.

2014-10-24; vol. 79 # 206 - Friday, October 24, 2014

79 FR 63577 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Halibut Prohibited Species Catch Allowances in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) apportioned to trawl catcher vessels in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule.

Effective November 20, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS revises regulations for the application process, use, surrender, and amendment of a Federal Fisheries Permit (FFP) or a Federal Processor Permit (FPP). This action will reduce industry compliance costs associated with fishing and processing permit regulations and NMFS' administrative costs associated with maintaining and updating permit application regulations and forms. This action promotes the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska, the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, and other applicable laws.

2014-10-16; vol. 79 # 200 - Thursday, October 16, 2014

79 FR 62052 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Greenland Turbot in the Bering Sea Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for non-CDQ Greenland turbot in the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 Greenland turbot initial total allowable catch (ITAC) in the Bering Sea subarea of the BSAI.

79 FR 62053 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Bering Sea Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; modification of a closure.

Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 15, 2014, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2014. Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., October 31, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. This action is necessary to fully use the 2014 total allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch specified for the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area.

79 FR 62054 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch, Northern Rockfish, and Dusky Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; modification of closure.

Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 15, 2014, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2014. Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., October 27, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, and dusky rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully use the total allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, and dusky rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

2014-10-10; vol. 79 # 197 - Friday, October 10, 2014

79 FR 61263 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; “Other Rockfish” in the Aleutian Island Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting retention of “other rockfish” in the Aleutian Islands subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary because the 2014 total allowable catch (TAC) of “other rockfish” in the BSAI has been reached.

79 FR 61264 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; reallocation.

Effective October 9, 2014, through 2400 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), December 31, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of the 2014 Atka mackerel incidental catch allowance (ICA) for the Bering Sea subarea and Eastern Aleutian district (BS/EAI) to the Amendment 80 cooperatives in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the 2014 total allowable catch of Atka mackerel in the BSAI to be fully harvested.

2014-10-07; vol. 79 # 194 - Tuesday, October 7, 2014

79 FR 60381 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Several Groundfish Species in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; apportionment of reserves; request for comments.

Effective October 3, 2014, through 2400 hrs, Alaska local time, December 31, 2014. Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., Alaska local time, October 20, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS apportions amounts of the non-specified reserve to the initial total allowable catch of Bering Sea (BS) Greenland turbot, BS Pacific ocean perch, Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Kamchatka flounder, and BSAI squids and the total allowable catch of BSAI sharks in the BSAI management area. This action is necessary to allow the fisheries to continue operating. It is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan for the BSAI management area.

Title 50 published on 2014-10-01

The following are ALL rules, proposed rules, and notices (chronologically) published in the Federal Register relating to 50 CFR 679after this date.

2015-02-25; vol. 80 # 37 - Wednesday, February 25, 2015

80 FR 10250 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Final 2015 and 2016 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule; harvest specifications and closures.

Harvest specifications and closures are effective at 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), February 25, 2015, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2016.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS announces final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications, apportionments, and Pacific halibut prohibited species catch limits for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the 2015 and 2016 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the GOA. The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the GOA in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

2015-02-23; vol. 80 # 35 - Monday, February 23, 2015

80 FR 9398 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod in the Western Aleutian Islands District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod, including for the Community Development Quota program (CDQ), in the Western Aleutian Islands district (Area 543) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the Area 543 Pacific cod harvest limit of the 2015 total allowable catch (TAC) in the Aleutian Islands subarea of the BSAI.

2015-02-19; vol. 80 # 33 - Thursday, February 19, 2015

80 FR 8816 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2015 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

2015-02-17; vol. 80 # 31 - Tuesday, February 17, 2015

80 FR 8249 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2015 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to vessels using pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

2015-02-13; vol. 80 # 30 - Friday, February 13, 2015

80 FR 7979 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Big Skate in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting retention of big skate in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the 2015 total allowable catch of big skate in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA will be reached.

Submit comments on Amendment 108 to the BSAI FMP, Amendment 100 to the GOA FMP, and Amendment 46 to the Crab FMP on or before April 13, 2015.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted to the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) Amendment 108 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP), Amendment 100 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA FMP), and Amendment 46 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (Crab FMP). If approved, these amendments would correct text omissions in the BSAI FMP, the GOA FMP, and the Crab FMP. These amendments would make the fishery management plan (FMP) texts that establish vessel length limits for small vessels exempted from the license limitation program (LLP) in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) groundfish and king and Tanner crab fisheries, and the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) groundfish fisheries, consistent with the original intent of the LLP, current operations in the fisheries, and Federal regulations. This action would promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMPs, and other applicable laws.

2015-02-06; vol. 80 # 25 - Friday, February 6, 2015

80 FR 6663 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific cod by Pot Catcher/Processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors using pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season apportionment of the 2015 Pacific cod total allowable catch allocated to catcher/processors using pot gear in the BSAI.

2015-02-04; vol. 80 # 23 - Wednesday, February 4, 2015

80 FR 5992 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line or Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2015 Pacific cod total allowable catch allocated to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI.

80 FR 5992 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the Central Aleutian district (CAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Island management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2015 Atka mackerel total allowable catch (TAC) in the CAI allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery.

2015-02-03; vol. 80 # 22 - Tuesday, February 3, 2015

80 FR 5692 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Atka mackerel in critical habitat of the Central Aleutian district (CAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Island management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2015 Atka mackerel total allowable catch (TAC) in critical habitat of the CAI allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery.

2015-01-30; vol. 80 # 20 - Friday, January 30, 2015

80 FR 5050 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the Eastern Aleutian district and the Bering Sea subarea (BSEAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Island management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2015 Atka mackerel total allowable catch (TAC) in the BSEAI allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery.

2015-01-26; vol. 80 # 16 - Monday, January 26, 2015

80 FR 3916 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule.

Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 26, 2015, until the effective date of the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) groundfish, unless otherwise modified or superseded through publication of a notification in the Federal Register .

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amounts of the Community Development Quota pollock directed fishing allowances from the Aleutian Islands subarea to the Bering Sea subarea. This action is necessary to provide opportunity for harvest of the 2015 total allowable catch of pollock, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area.

2015-01-23; vol. 80 # 15 - Friday, January 23, 2015

80 FR 3496 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; reallocation.

Effective January 20, 2015, through 2400 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), December 31, 2015.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod from vessels using jig gear to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters) length overall using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. This action is necessary to allow the A season apportionment of the 2015 total allowable catch of Pacific cod to be harvested.

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2015 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to catcher/processors using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Notice of Agency decision.

The amendment was approved on January 5, 2015.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the approval of Amendment 104 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP). Amendment 104 to the FMP designates six areas of skate egg concentration as Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC). The HAPC designations for the six areas of skate egg concentration in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) are intended to highlight the importance of this essential fish habitat for conservation. This action promotes the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMP, and other applicable laws.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; inseason adjustment; request for comments.

Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 1, 2015, until the effective date of the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for BSAI groundfish, unless otherwise modified or superseded through publication of a notification in the Federal Register . Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., January 16, 2015.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is adjusting the 2015 total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod fisheries. This action is necessary because NMFS has determined these TACs are incorrectly specified, and will ensure the BSAI pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod TACs are the appropriate amounts based on the best available scientific information. This action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; inseason adjustment; request for comments.

Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 1, 2015, until the effective date of the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for GOA groundfish, which will be published in the Federal Register . Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., January 16, 2015.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is adjusting the 2015 total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) pollock and Pacific cod fisheries. This action is necessary because NMFS has determined these TACs are incorrectly specified, and will ensure the GOA pollock and Pacific cod TACs are the appropriate amounts based on the best available scientific information for pollock and Pacific cod in the GOA. This action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule.

Effective February 4, 2015.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 107 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP), as prepared and submitted by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council), and approved by the Secretary of Commerce. This final rule allows vessels designated on Federal Fisheries Permits (FFPs) to transit through Walrus Protection Areas in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near Round Island and Cape Peirce from April 1 through August 15, annually. These actions are necessary to restore the access of federally permitted vessels to transit through Walrus Protection Areas that was unintentionally limited by regulations implementing Amendment 83 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA FMP) and to maintain suitable protection for walruses on Round Island and Cape Peirce. This final rule maintains an existing prohibition on deploying fishing gear in Walrus Protection Areas by vessels designated on an FFP. This final rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the BSAI FMP, and other applicable law.

2014-12-23; vol. 79 # 246 - Tuesday, December 23, 2014

79 FR 76917 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 50 feet (15.2 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to catcher vessels less than 50 feet (15.2 m) LOA using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule.

Effective: January 1, 2015.

15 CFR Part 902

Summary

NMFS issues a final rule to implement the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Trawl Economic Data Report Program to evaluate the economic effects of current and potential future fishery management measures for the GOA trawl fisheries. This data collection program will provide the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and NMFS with baseline economic information on harvesters, crew, processors, and communities active in the GOA trawl fisheries, which will be used to assess the impacts of anticipated future GOA trawl groundfish management measures on stakeholders. The data collected for this program will be submitted by owners and leaseholders of GOA trawl vessels, owners and leaseholders of processors receiving deliveries from those trawl vessels, and owners and leaseholders of trawl catcher/processors. The types of data collected will include, but not be limited to, labor data, revenues, capital and operational expenses, and other operational or financial data. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska, and other applicable laws.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule.

Effective: January 1, 2015.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 103 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP). This rule closes year-round the Pribilof Islands Habitat Conservation Zone (PIHCZ) to directed fishing for Pacific cod with pot gear to minimize bycatch and prevent overfishing of Pribilof Islands blue king crab (PIBKC). This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the BSAI FMP, and other applicable laws.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule.

Effective January 1, 2015.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS adopts a final rule to implement Amendment 97 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP). Amendment 97 limits Chinook salmon prohibited species catch (PSC) in Western and Central Gulf of Alaska (GOA) non-pollock trawl catcher/processor (C/P) and catcher vessel (CV) fisheries. This action establishes separate annual Chinook salmon PSC limits for three sectors fishing for groundfish species other than pollock: trawl C/Ps, trawl CVs participating in the Central GOA Rockfish Program, and trawl CVs not participating in the Central GOA Rockfish Program. If a sector reaches its Chinook salmon PSC limit, NMFS will prohibit further fishing for non-pollock groundfish by vessels in that sector. This action also establishes and clarifies Chinook salmon retention and discard requirements for vessels and processors participating in both the GOA pollock and non-pollock groundfish trawl fisheries. This action is necessary to minimize the catch of Chinook salmon to the extent practicable in the GOA non-pollock trawl fisheries. Amendment 97 is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the FMP, and other applicable laws.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule.

Effective December 26, 2014.

15 CFR Part 902

Summary

NMFS issues regulations to implement Steller sea lion protection measures to insure that groundfish fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) off Alaska are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the western distinct population segment (WDPS) of Steller sea lions or destroy or adversely modify their designated critical habitat. These management measures disperse fishing effort temporally and spatially to provide protection from potential competition for important Steller sea lion prey species. This action is intended to protect the endangered Steller sea lions, as required by the Endangered Species Act, and to minimize, to the extent practicable, the economic impact of fishery management measures, as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

2014-11-20; vol. 79 # 224 - Thursday, November 20, 2014

79 FR 69063 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Dusky Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for dusky rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 total allowable catch of dusky rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

79 FR 69063 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 total allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

79 FR 69064 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Northern Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for northern rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 total allowable catch of northern rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

NMFS is adjusting the 2014 seasonal apportionments of the total allowable catch (TAC) in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) by re-apportioning unharvested pollock TAC from Statistical Areas 610 to Statistical Areas 620 and 630 of the GOA. This action is necessary to provide opportunity for harvest of the 2014 pollock TAC, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule.

Effective December 18, 2014.

15 CFR Part 902

Summary

NMFS issues regulations to revise the at-sea scales program for catcher/processor vessels (C/Ps) and motherships that are required to weigh catch at sea. This action makes three major changes to current regulations. First, this action requires enhancements of daily scale testing for flow scales used to weigh catch at sea and requires electronic reporting of the daily flow scale test results. Second, this action requires that vessels required to use flow scales to weigh catch have electronics capable of logging and printing the frequency and magnitude of scale calibrations, as well as the time and date of each scale fault (or error) and scale startup. Third, this action requires that vessels use video to monitor the flow scale and the area around the flow scale. In addition, this action revises minor technical regulations related to equipment and operation regulations and removes certain regulations that are no longer applicable; and improves the accuracy of catch estimation by the C/Ps and motherships using at-sea scales and reduces the possibility of scale tampering. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and other applicable laws.

79 FR 68635 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Thornyhead Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting retention of thornyhead rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the 2014 total allowable catch of thornyhead rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA will be reached.

2014-11-17; vol. 79 # 221 - Monday, November 17, 2014

79 FR 68374 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Bering Sea Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 Pacific ocean perch total allowable catch (TAC) in the Bering Sea subarea of the BSAI.

79 FR 68374 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Several Groundfish Species in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; apportionment of reserves; request for comments.

Effective November 12, 2014, through 2400 hrs, Alaska local time, December 31, 2014. Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., Alaska local time, November 28, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS apportions amounts of the non-specified reserve to the initial total allowable catch (ITAC) of Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) northern rockfish and BSAI skates, and the total allowable catch (TAC) of Bering Sea (BS) “other rockfish” and BSAI octopuses in the BSAI management area. This action is necessary to allow the fisheries to continue operating. It is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan for the BSAI management area.

2014-11-13; vol. 79 # 219 - Thursday, November 13, 2014

79 FR 67376 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) apportioned to vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Eastern Aleutian district (EAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in the EAI allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule.

Effective December 8, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS publishes regulations to implement Amendment 96 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) and an amendment to the Pacific halibut commercial fishery regulations for waters in and off Alaska. Amendment 96 to the FMP and the regulatory amendment modify the Individual Fishing Quota Program for the Fixed-Gear Commercial Fisheries for Pacific Halibut and Sablefish in Waters in and off Alaska (IFQ Program). This action will remove a regulation that prohibits a Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Community Quota Entity (CQE) from transferring and holding small blocks of halibut and sablefish quota share (QS). This action will allow CQEs to acquire additional QS and facilitate CQE community resident participation in the IFQ Program. This action promotes the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982, the FMP, and other applicable law.

2014-10-31; vol. 79 # 211 - Friday, October 31, 2014

79 FR 64682 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; reallocation.

Effective October 24, 2014, through 2400 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), December 31, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod from catcher vessels using trawl gear to catcher vessels using hook-and-line gear, vessels using pot gear, and vessels using jig gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska management area (GOA). This action is necessary to allow the 2014 total allowable catch of Pacific cod in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA to be harvested.

79 FR 64334 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; reallocation.

Effective October 24, 2014, through 2400 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), December 31, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod from vessels using jig gear to vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska management area (GOA). This action is necessary to allow the 2014 total allowable catch of Pacific cod in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA to be harvested.

2014-10-24; vol. 79 # 206 - Friday, October 24, 2014

79 FR 63577 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Halibut Prohibited Species Catch Allowances in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) apportioned to trawl catcher vessels in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Final rule.

Effective November 20, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS revises regulations for the application process, use, surrender, and amendment of a Federal Fisheries Permit (FFP) or a Federal Processor Permit (FPP). This action will reduce industry compliance costs associated with fishing and processing permit regulations and NMFS' administrative costs associated with maintaining and updating permit application regulations and forms. This action promotes the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska, the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, and other applicable laws.

2014-10-16; vol. 79 # 200 - Thursday, October 16, 2014

79 FR 62052 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Greenland Turbot in the Bering Sea Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for non-CDQ Greenland turbot in the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 Greenland turbot initial total allowable catch (ITAC) in the Bering Sea subarea of the BSAI.

79 FR 62053 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Bering Sea Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; modification of a closure.

Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 15, 2014, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2014. Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., October 31, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. This action is necessary to fully use the 2014 total allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch specified for the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area.

79 FR 62054 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch, Northern Rockfish, and Dusky Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; modification of closure.

Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 15, 2014, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2014. Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., October 27, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, and dusky rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully use the total allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, and dusky rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

2014-10-10; vol. 79 # 197 - Friday, October 10, 2014

79 FR 61263 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; “Other Rockfish” in the Aleutian Island Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NMFS is prohibiting retention of “other rockfish” in the Aleutian Islands subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary because the 2014 total allowable catch (TAC) of “other rockfish” in the BSAI has been reached.

79 FR 61264 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; reallocation.

Effective October 9, 2014, through 2400 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), December 31, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of the 2014 Atka mackerel incidental catch allowance (ICA) for the Bering Sea subarea and Eastern Aleutian district (BS/EAI) to the Amendment 80 cooperatives in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the 2014 total allowable catch of Atka mackerel in the BSAI to be fully harvested.

Written comments on Amendment 104 to the FMP must be received on or before 5 p.m., Alaska local time, on December 8, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 104 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP). If approved, Amendment 104 to the FMP would designate six areas of skate egg concentration as Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC). Designating the six areas of skate egg concentration as HAPC in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) would highlight the importance of this essential fish habitat for conservation. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMP, and other applicable laws.

2014-10-07; vol. 79 # 194 - Tuesday, October 7, 2014

79 FR 60381 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Several Groundfish Species in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; apportionment of reserves; request for comments.

Effective October 3, 2014, through 2400 hrs, Alaska local time, December 31, 2014. Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., Alaska local time, October 20, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS apportions amounts of the non-specified reserve to the initial total allowable catch of Bering Sea (BS) Greenland turbot, BS Pacific ocean perch, Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Kamchatka flounder, and BSAI squids and the total allowable catch of BSAI sharks in the BSAI management area. This action is necessary to allow the fisheries to continue operating. It is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan for the BSAI management area.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Proposed rule; request for comments.

Submit comments on or before November 3, 2014.

50 CFR Part 679

Summary

NMFS issues a proposed rule that would implement Amendment 107 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP). If approved, Amendment 107 would establish seasonal transit areas for vessels designated on Federal Fisheries Permits (FFPs) through Walrus Protection Areas in northern Bristol Bay, AK. This action would allow vessels designated on FFPs to transit through Walrus Protection Areas in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near Round Island and Cape Peirce from April 1 through August 15, annually. This action is necessary to restore the access of federally permitted vessels to transit through Walrus Protection Areas that was limited by regulations implementing Amendment 83 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA FMP) and to maintain suitable protection for walruses on Round Island and Cape Peirce. This action would maintain an existing prohibition on deploying fishing gear in Walrus Protection Areas by vessels designated on an FFP. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the BSAI FMP, and other applicable law.